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Grasses in the garden

Grasses are such a beautiful component of the landscape, and can turn your
garden into a haven for birds and other creatures, plus add that mystical
sound when the wind blows.

So which grasses should you choose to add to your garden? Well there are a lot of
choices, from architectural Bamboo, to the soft billowy Pennisetums. The blood
red blades of Imperata species will add a bit of colour, and large clumps of Vetiver
would definitely make a feature in the garden. The smaller Festuca grasses are
lovely in rockeries or the front of borders, and coming in a variety of colours they
also add that bit of interest to the garden.

The common fountain grass can be a bit invasive and self-seed around the garden,
whereas the purple fountain grass Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ is an incredibly
beautiful alternative without the invasive characteristics.

Imperata species like Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ do really well in a moist
environment. I grow this grass on the edge of a pond, and it is now fully
established and provides beautiful flowers too.

Vetiver, Chrysopogon zizanioides also enjoys moist conditions and grows into large
bright green clumps over a metre high.